Atty. Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton

Atty. Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton

Bob Knowlton leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Corporate Litigation practice group and is a certified mediator. Bob has successfully represented businesses and individuals in a wide variety of complex, high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts and arbitrations.

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Profile Summary

About Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton at a glance

Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton is a business, ip, and litigation attorney based in Columbia, South Carolina, practicing at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA. Educated at The University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D., 1982). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Serands clients in Columbia, SC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Bob Knowlton leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Corporate Litigation practice group and is a certified mediator
  • Bob has successfully represented businesses and individuals in a wide variety of complex, high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts and arbitrations
  • His experience includes litigation and representation involving claims under securities laws, shareholder disputes, corporate governance matters, claims against officers and directors, business torts, intellectual property, investigations and claims by governmental entities, and internal corporate investigations

Practice Areas Explained

Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in South Carolina →

Intellectual Property

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton is one of 106,079 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in South Carolina →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in South Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in South Carolina

Practicing law in South Carolina. Legal matters in South Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Columbia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate South Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in South Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in South Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional South Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Columbia or all attorneys in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton

Where is Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton's law office located?
Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton's law practice is located in Columbia, South Carolina. The firm is Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton handle?
Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton focuses on business, ip, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in South Carolina.
Where did Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton go to law school?
Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton earned their education at (J.D., 1982).
How can I contact Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton for a consultation?
You can contact Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton received?
Robert Y. "Bob" Knowlton's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities; Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property, Columbia (SC).

Education

J.D.
The University of South Carolina School of Law
- 1982

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property, Columbia (SC)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property, Columbia (SC)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property, Columbia (SC)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities, Columbia (SC)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property, Columbia (SC)
- 2017
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities, Columbia (SC)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property, Columbia (SC)
- 2015
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities, Columbia (SC)
- 2013

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